Diffidence may check resolution and obstruct performance, but compensates its embarrassments by more important advantages; it conciliates the proud, and softens the severe; averts envy from excellence, and censure from miscarriage.

Few men survey themselves with so much severity as not to admit prejudices in their own favor.

It is as foolish to make experiments upon the constancy of a friend, as upon the chastity of a wife.

We all live upon the hope of pleasing somebody, and the pleasure of pleasing ought to be greatest, and at last always will be greatest, when our endeavours are exerted in consequence of our duty.

Wit is that which has been often thought, but never before was well expressed.

The great source of pleasure is variety.

Language is the dress of thought; and as the noblest mien or most graceful action would be degraded and obscured by a garb appropriated to the gross employments of rusticks or mechanics, so the most heroick sentiments will lose their efficacy